NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoEverything Nanaimo!http://nanaimonewsnow.com/
enWed, 13 Dec 2017 17:41:29 -0800Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:41:29 -0800City to opt for 3 month trial of continued downtown safety measureshttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561862/city-opt-3-month-trial-continued-downtown-safety-measures
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/DOWNTOWN_2.jpg?itok=OjcJnBZo" width="480" height="270" alt="" title="File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW" />
<p><strong>By Spencer Sterritt</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Instead of diving in, the City of Nanaimo is dipping its toes into the waters of downtown security concerns.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561862/city-opt-3-month-trial-continued-downtown-safety-measures">Read More</a>Spencer Sterritt561862Wed, 13 Dec 2017 19:41:29 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoBC Ferries increases sailings for holidayshttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561858/bc-ferries-increases-sailings-holidays
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/BC%20FERRY%20GENERIC_2.jpg?itok=BTSK4JE2" width="480" height="270" alt="There will be 46 extra sailings between Departure Bay and Horseshoe Bay during the Christmas holidays." title="BC Ferries " />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — BC Ferries is adding extra sailings to accommodate a surge of travelers over the Christmas holidays.</p>
<p>184 more sailings between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island are in place between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2, including 46 on the Departure Bay – Horseshoe Bay run.</p>
<p>There are 130 additional sailings during that time on the Swartz Bay-Tsawwassen route.</p>
<p>BC Ferries anticipates Dec. 26 and Dec. 27 to be the busiest days during the holidays for Departure Bay-Horseshoe Bay travellers.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561858/bc-ferries-increases-sailings-holidays">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561858Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:41:11 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoNanaimo police arrest two boys accused in numerous vehicle theftshttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561835/nanaimo-police-arrest-two-boys-accused-numerous-vehicle-thefts
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/RCMP%20CAR%20LIGHTS_30.jpg?itok=TFnjc0Jh" width="480" height="270" alt="" title="RCMP " />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — The arrest of two teenage boys is being called “fairly significant” by Nanaimo RCMP, following a jump in stolen vehicles.</p>
<p>Cst. Gary O'Brien told <em>NanaimoNewsNOW</em> they were arrested at separate times in the city's north-end early morning last Saturday, Dec. 9.</p>
<p>“We've seen an increase in theft of vehicles, particularly older model Honda products,” O'Brien said. “We arrested two individuals, a 16 and 17-year-old we believe may be responsible for stealing upwards of 20 of these vehicles.”</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561835/nanaimo-police-arrest-two-boys-accused-numerous-vehicle-thefts">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561835Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:23:51 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - Nanaimo'It was absolute carnage:' Island Highway closed for six hours after car crash http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561696/it-was-absolute-carnage-highway-rcmp
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/CAR%20CRASH.jpg?itok=NVCJ3vL-" width="480" height="270" alt="A snapshot of the crash at the intersection of the Island Highway and Tenth St." title="Submitted/Facebook" />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Police say it's surprising no one received life-threatening injuries after a serious crash at the intersection of the Island Highway and Tenth St.</p>
<p>It happened at roughly 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11 and shut down both southbound lanes for six hours.</p>
<p>“It was absolute carnage on the highway,” Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O'Brien said. “That's why the southbound lanes were closed for up to six hours. There was metal pieces scattered hundreds of meters on either side.”</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561696/it-was-absolute-carnage-highway-rcmp">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561696Tue, 12 Dec 2017 15:28:01 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoNanaimo Council wants to ban plastic bag use by retailershttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561690/nanaimo-council-wants-ban-plastic-bag-use-retailers
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/PLASTIC%20BAG.JPG?itok=rKmRaAh-" width="480" height="270" alt="Nanaimo City Council wants to ban local retailers from handing out plastic bags. City staff will investigate if the direction from council is feasible. " title="thebubble.com" />
<p><strong>By Ian Holmes</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Plastic bags have suddenly appeared on Nanaimo City Council's hit-list.</p>
<p>Council unanimously expressed their wish to ban plastic bags at the retail level during a special council meeting Monday night. The motion called on staff to report back as soon as possible with options and the extent of Council's authority to pass and enforce such a ban.</p>
<p>The decision followed a delegation from three concerned citizens outlining environmental concerns.</p>
<p>Coun. Bill Bestwick said he 100 per cent supports banning the use of plastic bags in Nanaimo.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561690/nanaimo-council-wants-ban-plastic-bag-use-retailers">Read More</a>Ian Holmes561690Tue, 12 Dec 2017 14:15:29 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoHarewood crime watch seeing success; RCMP caution against going too farhttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561608/harewood-crime-watch-seeing-success-rcmp-caution-against-going-too-far
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/Harewood.PNG?itok=Kn2detds" width="480" height="270" alt="One section of the Harewood neighbourhood, where several FB crime watch groups have gained popularity in recent months. " title="Google Maps" />
<p><strong>By Spencer Sterritt</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Everyone in Harewood always knew where a specific white RV was parked.</p>
<p>It's a constant fixture in crime watch groups on Facebook centered on the Harewood neighbourhood.</p>
<p>“It was kind of a game, sort of like Where's Waldo,” Derek Goring told <em>NanaimoNewsNOW</em>. He's the admin for the Nanaimo and Harewood Crime Watchdogs Facebook group, where concerned community members post about criminal activity they've seen in Harewood. Goring started the group after living in Harewood for a year and had both his and his girlfriend’s car broken into.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561608/harewood-crime-watch-seeing-success-rcmp-caution-against-going-too-far">Read More</a>Spencer Sterritt561608Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:54:44 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoInnovative trauma supports coming for local emergency responders http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561607/innovative-trauma-supports-coming-local-emergency-responders
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/DEPRESSED.JPG?itok=NMtVExI0" width="480" height="270" alt="More support is becoming available for emergency responders struggling with job-related trauma." title="File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW" />
<p><strong>By Ian Holmes</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Much-needed trauma support for local emergency responders is being enhanced.</p>
<p>Nanaimo Fire Rescue chief Karen Fry expected money from the Canadian Mental Health Association donated by Nanaimo-based <a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/540736/annual-recovery-run-supports-nanaimo-area-emergency-responders">Edgewood Treatment Centre</a> will be in place next spring.</p>
<p>Fry said thanks to the donation, about 10 of their members will gain resiliency training to help identify signs of colleagues struggling with job related trauma.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561607/innovative-trauma-supports-coming-local-emergency-responders">Read More</a>Ian Holmes561607Mon, 11 Dec 2017 19:54:38 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoLantzville man charged in high-profile animal cruelty case http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561562/lantzville-man-charged-high-profile-animal-cruelty-case
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/LANTZ%20DOG_0.jpg?itok=EwXG-vtj" width="480" height="270" alt="Lantzville's Gary Kenneth Bob has been charged with one count of animal cruelty, after his dog Rascal was found infested with fleas and near death." title="BC SPCA " />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — A Lantzville man has been criminally charged after his dog was nearly <a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/544773/lantzville-area-dog-saved-after-fleas-suck-nearly-all-its-blood">drained to death</a> by blood-sucking fleas.</p>
<p>The BC SPCA announced Gary Kenneth Bob is charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, after his senior terrier Rascal lost roughly 85 per cent of his blood and required a life-saving blood transfusion.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561562/lantzville-man-charged-high-profile-animal-cruelty-case">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561562Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:54:54 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoNanaimo RCMP searching for homeless man allegedly behind two robberieshttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561550/nanaimo-rcmp-searching-homeless-man-allegedly-behind-two-robberies
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/HOPKINS%20ROBBERY%20SUSPECT.jpg?itok=7mcR7c_Z" width="480" height="270" alt="Brandon Maxwell Hopkins, wanted by RCMP for allegedly trying to rob a Tim Hortons and then successfully robbing a northend Scotiabank on Nov. 29." title="submitted/RCMP" />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO RCMP are on the hunt for a homeless man who they believe is behind robberies at the end of November. </p>
<p>Warrants were issued for Brandon Maxwell Hopkins, a 23-year-old Nanaimo man for the <a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/559944/nanaimo-rcmp-searching-same-suspect-after-tim-hortons-and-scotia-bank-robberies">attempted armed robbery of a Tim Hortons early on Wed, Nov. 29</a> and then the successful robbery of a northend Scotiabank later that day.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561550/nanaimo-rcmp-searching-homeless-man-allegedly-behind-two-robberies">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561550Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:44:38 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoEast Wellington home gutted by early morning firehttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561444/east-wellington-home-gutted-early-morning-fire
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/stobart1.jpg?itok=MBlCmzYj" width="480" height="270" alt="A home (right) and detached garage (left) are gutted after an early Sunday fire off East Wellington Rd." title="Dominic Abassi/NanaimoNewsNOW" />
<p><strong>By Dominic Abassi</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — An elderly couple has lost their home after an early morning fire off East Wellington Rd.</p>
<p>A home and detached shop on Stobart Rd. were gutted after a fire which broke out around 6 a.m. Sunday. The roofs of both buildings collapsed and it appeared only two walls of the home were left standing.</p>
<p>Nanaimo Fire Rescue assistant chief of operations Brad Wood described the damage as "extensive." He said there were no injuries and everyone in the home made it out safely.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561444/east-wellington-home-gutted-early-morning-fire">Read More</a>Dominic Abassi561444Sun, 10 Dec 2017 12:42:37 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoA pint of blood could be the perfect Christmas gifthttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561343/pint-blood-could-be-perfect-christmas-gift
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/BLOOD_0.jpg?itok=BiWgoqqy" width="480" height="270" alt="" title="Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW " />
<p><strong>By Daryl Major</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO – If you're looking for something different to give as a Christmas gift, Canadian Blood Services suggests a donation.</p>
<p>Donor clinics are Dec. 12 through 14 and then again on Dec. 19 and 20 at the Beban Park Social Centre.</p>
<p>David Patterson, director of donor relations for BC and the Yukon, told NanaimoNewsNOW a donation means more at this time of year.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561343/pint-blood-could-be-perfect-christmas-gift">Read More</a>Daryl Major561343Fri, 08 Dec 2017 20:01:19 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoOfficials to discuss features to complement new artificial turf field at NDSShttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561342/officials-discuss-features-compliment-new-artificial-turf-field-ndss
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/NDSS%20TURF%20FIELD.JPG?itok=lcyfi297" width="480" height="270" alt="View from a drone of the new NDSS Community Field" title="Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools " />
<p><strong>By Ian Holmes</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — A new artificial turf field at Nanaimo District Secondary School is open, but the facility is far from a finished product as officials huddle to determine what features are still needed.</p>
<p>The $3.6-million NDSS Community Field opened with a soft launch in November to replace a <a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/543371/artificial-turf-bringing-new-life-ndss-field">beat-up field</a>. Richard Harding, director of parks, rec and environment with Nanaimo expected an official opening in the new year.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561342/officials-discuss-features-compliment-new-artificial-turf-field-ndss">Read More</a>Ian Holmes561342Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:51:27 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoNew RDN program aims to turn children into lifelong transit usershttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561341/new-rdn-program-aims-turn-children-lifelong-transit-users
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/kinds%20bus.jpg?itok=bpXG8GmP" width="480" height="270" alt="A new program offers K-5 students in the region a chance to learn how to take transit." title="Submitted/RDN" />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — The next generation of transit users in Nanaimo are getting a head start on learning how to navigate the system.</p>
<p>The Regional District of Nanaimo launched their Kids Ride the Bus program, designed to teach kindergarten through grade 5 students the ins and outs of the local transit system.</p>
<p>The RDN's director of transportation and emergency services Daniel Pearce said it's about creating life skills and lifelong transit riders.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561341/new-rdn-program-aims-turn-children-lifelong-transit-users">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561341Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:43:57 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoNanaimo campaign filling shoeboxes with gifts and hope for northern B.C. communitieshttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561340/nanaimo-campaign-filling-shoeboxes-gifts-and-hope-northern-bc-communities
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/ILFP%201.jpg?itok=cm8mTkq_" width="480" height="270" alt="This Christmas, the charity I Love First Peoples is asking for filled shoeboxes. They say it doesn't have to be gifts, even a letter saying 'You matter' will be enough. " title="submitted/ILFP" />
<p><strong>By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — This Christmas, not all the gifts you give have to end up under your tree.</p>
<p>A local chapter of the national charity I Love First Peoples recently opened and organizer Nicole Cameron hopes to send as many shoeboxes as possible to Indigenous communities in remote parts of northern B.C.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561340/nanaimo-campaign-filling-shoeboxes-gifts-and-hope-northern-bc-communities">Read More</a>NanaimoNewsNOW Staff561340Fri, 08 Dec 2017 19:16:30 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - NanaimoParking dominates concerns as City of Nanaimo forms Hospital Area Planhttp://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561336/parking-dominates-concerns-city-nanaimo-forms-hospital-area-plan
<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/sites/default/files/styles/main_article_image_rss/public/field/image/NAN%20HOSPITAL%20PARKING.JPG?itok=zvTC-bu9" width="480" height="270" alt="Streets surrounding Nanaimo Hospital are consistently lined with vehicles. The City hopes to address a lack of parking and congestion concerns in the area." title="Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW " />
<p><strong>By Ian Holmes</strong></p>
<p>NANAIMO — Parking has emerged as the major challenge as the City creates a Hospital Area Plan (HAP) to guide growth in the central Nanaimo neighbourhood.</p>
<p>City staff hosted an open house Thursday to hear public opinions and outline options for improving parking, land use concepts and the area's transportation network.</p>
<p>City planner Brian Zurek said a parking strategy will be created as part of the HAP process. He said meters and time restrictions for on-street parking surrounding the hospital are under consideration.</p>
<p>...</p>
<a href="http://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/561336/parking-dominates-concerns-city-nanaimo-forms-hospital-area-plan">Read More</a>Ian Holmes561336Fri, 08 Dec 2017 17:37:31 -0600NanaimoNewsNOW - Nanaimo